Marlins Stadium Naming Rights Deal Nearly Done

The Florida Marlins have only existed since 1993, but in that time, their stadium has essentially had five different names: Joe Robbie Stadium, Pro Player Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Land Shark Stadium, and Sun Life Stadium.

Now the team is moving to a new stadium when next season gets underway (and taking on the name Miami Marlins name as well).

The new ballpark is close to getting a naming-rights deal, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.[more]

“From what I understand there’s several companies that stepped forward, and negotiations were always pretty open and clear about what the economic parameters of the deal would be, and people didn’t shy away,” said P.J. Loyello, Marlins senior vice president of communications, according to the Sun Sentinel. “We’re talking multinational companies that are looking to get their name in Miami.”

Whoever it is, Loyello mentioned that the brand will be “omnipresent from a marketing standpoint, a community standpoint and, obviously, a presence at the ballpark itself,” according to the paper. “We’re trying to get the best deal. We’re at the point that we’re finalizing it.”

Once the main naming-rights partner is identified, the Marlins will also name four companies that will pay big bucks to sponsor each quarter of the park.

Team President David Samson said in mid-June that the team was down to two possible partners, the paper notes.

Elsewhere in Florida, St. Petersburg baseball fans (and more than a few Tampa Bay Rays) are wondering when Tropicana Field will get a much-needed upgrade.